Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Taste of the Country - Hunter Valley Gardens Village - Pokolbin, Australia.

Taste of the Country

A wedding in the Hunter Valley!?! I hear the sounds of great wine and delicious desserts. Couldn't contain my excitement as this was my first time to the Hunter Valley.A good high school friend of ours got married in the Hunter Valley and the ceremony was held at the Hunter Valley Gardens Chapel within the Mercure Resort. The couple looked so happy and it was such a sweet ceremony. After the ceremony at the Chapel, we were all so hungry, especially me on a empty stomach, so we thought it was best to just stay within the village and have something there. A number of options were on offer within the village but the word 'country' in 'Taste of the Country' captured our attention. I was expecting home-style food packed with flavour.

Once you walk in, you can't help but notice the number of clocks on one side of the wall. The interior and pastel blue walls reminded me of being at home.

An extensive menu and an all day breakfast menu is available.

The 'Banana Pancakes ($16.00)' were much smaller than anticipated. A stack of pancakes, more like pikelets, were served as a stack and topped with banana, strawberries and maple syrup with a side of cream. Unfortunately, the pancakes were dense and not fluffy like how they should be. Nevertheless, I was still hungry so finished it all.

The 'Beef Burger ($16.00)' was huge. A large party of beef mince enclosed in Turkish bread together with beetroot, tomato, lettuce, onion and cheese. JJ struggled to eat it, cutting it up into four messy portions. She found it mediocre and it actually looked better than how it tasted. The addition of shallots was odd.

The 'Fruit and Nut Delight ($11.00)' was the best value of the lot. A heap of banana and strawberries on top of a toasted fruit bread and then drizzled with maple syrup. Lulu found it nice at first but then it became sickening and a bit too much for her.

'Large Soya Latte ($5.50)' came with a Tiny Teddy. Liked this little addition.

Service was decent and wait time for the food wasn't too long as we did go during non-peak lunch hour. Was expecting better for a first lunch in the Hunter Valley but this turned out to be quite disappointing. An average lunch overall but had a great time catching up with my lovely friends.Where?Shop 11, Hunter Valley Gardens,Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320AustraliaPhone no: 02 49986605Opening Hours

As former staff - don't eat there. Another former staff member has written it all up perfectly on tripadvisor as to why not to go. Food is beyond old, milk is left out all day - not put back in the fridge. Meats are served well past any used by dates. Mice. Mould....